A story to be told over and over agian Past Review
By lisa.roemhildt (Political Science and Public Administration, University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) - abroad from 05/16/2014 to 07/26/2014 with
API (Academic Programs International): Valparaíso, Chile - Pontifícia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso
I can't even completely put into words what I gained. The people I met and the experiences I had were beyond amazing. I think it is so important to put yourself in a place outside of your norm at least once in your life. You learn so much about a different culture and how your own culture is viewed through others eyes. You gain a new sense of independence and learn so much about yourself and others. For the first time, you start to find a greater value on relationships and experiences instead of material things and I think that is invaluable.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our on-site residence director was awesome. She went out of her way to make sure everything was going well for each of us individually and she planned the best excursions. Going to another country on your own is not easy, but right from the start she made me feel more than welcomed and comfortable. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a host mother, but because I was there sort of on a favor, she was very hands off and didn't provide for me as much as other families did for their students. Food and heat was an issue and I sometimes felt very unwanted. On the other side, living with a host mom definitely pushed me to practice my spanish more and learn more about what it is like to really live there. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I think it |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50-$100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you live with a host family, take advantage of the food they provide because you are already paying for it. Don't buy the first souvenirs that you find. Don't waste money on alcohol and clubs. Consider the trips you may want to take in advance so you can budget and prepare yourself financially. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Don't be timid. You are a foreigner and you are going to sound different and stand out, but don't let that hold you back. Most of the time, if people see you putting in an effort to learn the langauge they are going to slow down and try communicate with you. The only way you will get better with speaking is if you put yourself out there and push yourself to use the language. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I went into this program completely blind knowing nothing about Chile, but I wouldn't have changed a thing. I studied abroad primarily for Spanish and while my Spanish improved immensely, I got so much more out of this program. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
